Food scrap composting program diverting tons from landfill
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Since it began in January, Santa Cruz County’s composting program has diverted nearly 50,000 tons of food scraps from the Buena Vista Landfill, vastly reducing the amount of methane being released into the atmosphere and reshaping the way residents view their trash.
That...
Newsom signs bill to fast-track Pajaro Levee work
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed legislation that will expedite the reconstruction of the Pajaro River Levee, moving construction start and completion time years earlier than anticipated.
Assembly Bill 876 fast-tracks the work by exempting the project from certain local environmental laws and regulations under...
Watsonville celebrates new housing complex
Dozens of people gathered Friday to celebrate the opening of a 53-unit housing complex, the latest in Watsonville’s drive to provide housing for all income levels.
The complex at 1482 Freedom Blvd., called Tabasa Gardens, was built by Hayward-based Eden Housing.
A unique feature of the...
Ceiba school hopes to make its Watsonville location permanent
WATSONVILLE—The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to grant a special use permit, a zoning change and a general plan amendment that would allow Ceiba College Preparatory Academy to remain at its Locust Street location permanently.
If the Council votes no, it could...
Attempted murder suspect arrested after stabbing police dog
A Watsonville Police K-9 was stabbed Tuesday afternoon in a confrontation police had with an attempted murder suspect.
Sgt. Jarrod Pisturino said the incident began when police got behind a white Honda Accord around 4pm on Rodriguez Street in downtown Watsonville. When the solo occupant...
PVUSD high schools see record-high graduation rates
Late in 2022, when officials from Pajaro Valley Unified School District took a look at its high school seniors, they noticed a disturbing trend: many were not meeting their graduation requirements and were at risk of not receiving their diplomas.
And so Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez...
Chamber announces annual awardees
The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has announced its annual awardees, including the man and woman of the year.
Nita Gizdich was on her ranch Tuesday morning, and as usual she was working.
Although sweeping the driveway leading to her iconic pie shop was...
Evictions loom for 14 Pajaro families
In the middle of the holiday season, 14 families that live on 29 San Juan Road in Pajaro must find somewhere new to live in one of the country’s most expensive rental markets.
On a rainy day in November, the concerned faces of adults are...
PHOTOS: Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade celebrates the stars and stripes
With a theme of Stars, Stripes and Strawberries, the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade rolled along Main Street on Tuesday to the Watsonville Main Branch of the Post Office.
Photo: Art and Wine in the village
Jerald O’Brien, founder of Silver Mountain Vineyards, pours a glass of 2013 Pinot Noir for Michelle Novicio on Sunday during the 39th annual Capitola Art and Wine Festival. The weekend affair drew thousands to Capitola Village.
Affordable housing project back on track
Construction is set to resume on Haven Plaza, a 35-unit permanent supportive housing community at 2838 Park Ave. in Soquel after developers secured critical...





















